The scientific consensus on climate change is now clear to everyone “except the wilfully blind,” Blair said, as he gave the closing address at the World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi.

He wished the freshly inaugurated US President Obama the best of luck, while highlighting the need for America to take the lead in the fight against climate change.

“2009 should be the year we summon the will and wit to conclude a new Treaty on Climate Change -- one which will have America as a signatory,” he said.

“The